title
Request for Funding to Support Electrical Installation as Part of the Thomas Dambo Sculpture at Firefly Grove Park
body
Submitted by:
Beth Gleesing - Tourism Specialist
Alex Krutsch - Parks and Forestry Superintendent
Department:
Public Works
A. Issue
Staff is requesting $58,000 in tourism funds for the refurbishment of light poles and fixtures to be used as part of the public art installation at Firefly Grove Park along with a contingency in an amount not to exceed $20,000 for associated, but currently unknown, electrical costs.
B. Background/Options
The City, in partnership with the tourism commission, has commissioned Mr. Thomas Dambo to create and install one of his re-cycle/up-cycle sculptures at Firefly Grove Park currently being developed on the City’s west side at the intersection of 116th Street and Gilbert Ave. The artist’s vision for this piece includes the re-use of existing City owned street light fixtures being stored at the DPW from past projects. To fully develop the “narrative” of the sculpture these fixtures will be utilized as the park’s pathway lighting and incorporated into the sculpture itself. In total, 36 fixtures will likely be needed. 18 to light the pathway and up to 18 to accomplish the artistic vision.
Due to age and condition the existing poles need to be returned to the manufacturer for refurbishment. This work includes conversion of the light fixtures to LED luminaires, conversion of the existing twin arm dual fixtures to a single fixture atop of pole (per the artist’s vision), and new paint.
The original park plans called for 11 solar powered poles/fixtures for pathway lighting. The change to hard wired poles and the increase in pole quantity, has driven electrical related construction costs beyond the parks original electrical budget.
Staff is requesting that the tourism commission allocate funds for the refurbishment of the existing light poles in the amount of $58,000. In addition, staff is requesting that the commission allocate funding in an amount not to exceed $20,000 as a contingency for electrical costs related to the troll that are not yet fully known. These costs may include such items as wiring of the troll and final connection of the troll to the parks electrical system.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority Area 5: Quality of Life
D. Fiscal Impact
Staff is requesting $58,000 in tourism funds for the refurbishment of light poles and fixtures to be used as part of the public art installation at Firefly Grove Park along with a contingency in an amount not to exceed $20,000 for associated, but currently unknown, electrical costs.
E. Recommendation
Staff is recommending the allocation of the requested funds allowing the art installation to proceed as planned.